ECO Rep program

Our ECO reps team 2019-2020:

ECO Rep Director:

Benjamin Coleman

 My name is Ben Coleman and I’m from North Kingstown, RI. I am majoring in Neuroscience and Spanish, with minors in Chemistry and English. As an ECO rep, I hope to spread awareness of the various environmental issues plaguing our campus and the world today. I have noticed that many do care for the environment, but often feel their contribution doesn’t do enough to help. I also hope to instill that change begins with the individual and that everybody’s contribution, no matter how small, DOES make a difference!   bwc26@miami.edu 

EATON

Emma Miller (Building Leader)

My name is Emma Miller, and I am a freshman from Cincinnati, OH double majoring in Ecosystem Science and Policy and Spanish. Around campus, I am also involved in UThrift, First Year U, rec tennis, and more. I have loved nature my entire life, and I plan to pursue a career in sustainability. I believe that personal choices and grassroots change are the foundation to achieving impactful environmental preservation. Following these ideas, I have become a vegetarian and uphold many aspects of a zero-waste lifestyle. I am excited to share this knowledge with the Eaton community as the Eaton Building Leader for this school year!   erm117@miami.edu 

HECHT

Sneha Akurati (Building Leader)

My name is Sneha Akurati. I'm from Chicago, Illinois. I am freshman at UM, majoring in Microbiology and Immunology. Nature has always been an outlet for me, and protecting its beauty for future generations is a lifestyle I strive to live by. I became an ECO Rep because I am passionate about encouraging sustainable practices in our everyday lifestyles. I am currently transitioning into a zero-waste lifestyle, knowing that any small change can contribute to a cleaner, happier earth! Last summer, I worked on a local, organic farm in Chicago, and I started becoming interested in sustainable agriculture and its positive effect for the earth. I am so excited to work with passionate others to learn more about different ways to care for the environment while creating positive change for our campus and community! sxa1337@miami.edu 

Julie Bobyock

I am Julie Bobyock, a freshman from Chester Springs, Pennsylvania! I am majoring in Ecosystem Science and am so excited to bring my love of sustainability to the University of Miami. From taking Environmental Science courses in high school to experiencing the zero waste values from a Panama forest conservation, I always knew I wanted to study environmental science. I am excited to teach others about why sustainability is important and how we can incorporate it into our daily lives!  jnb143@miami.edu 

Julia Nuss

Hi! I’m Julia Nuss and I’m from Wayland, Massachusetts. I’m majoring in Marine Biology and Ecology, and am also super interested in photography and videography. I love the ocean because of everything in it, but also because it is fundamental to life on earth. So, I believe it’s crucial that we all do our part in protecting the ocean and environment. As an Eco Rep, I hope to encourage students to cut down on energy, single-use plastics, and water use. I also hope that the Eco Rep program will influence everyone at the U to start approaching life with a sustainable mindset. I’m excited to leave a positive impact on campus and want everyone to know: you can make a difference, so don’t hold back!  jxn551@rsmas.miami.edu 

Benjamin Pomeroy

I’m Ben Pomeroy, a freshman from Chester Springs, PA. I’m majoring in Biology on a pre-med track. I am passionate about waste reduction and recycling here at the U. I really got involved in green ideas when I volunteered abroad at a rain forest conservation in Panama, and I hope I can bring some of the zero waste ideals they have towards building a more sustainable home for all of us. I’m looking forward to raising awareness through ECO Reps about what we as individuals can do to make our campus even more green! bxp562@miami.edu 

MAHONEY

Sydney Schwartz (Building Leader)

My name is Sydney Schwartz and I’m a sophomore from Nashville, TN majoring in Criminology with a minor in Spanish. I joined Eco Reps as a way to learn more about our schools environmental impact and ways we can improve our sustainability. I would like to help our student body become more interested in the environment and the small ways they can help reduce our footprint every day. This year, I hope to reduce the amount of single-use plastics on campus.

 sls378@miami.edu 

Cassidy Renninger

My name is Cassidy Renninger and I’m a sophomore from Tampa, FL. I am majoring in Ecosystem Science and Policy and minoring in Marine Science and Biology. I’ve grown up living near the ocean and spending most of my time outside. These experiences resulted in my love and desire to do something about our deteriorating planet. As an ECO Rep, I want to spread awareness to others about the small things they can do to make a difference. I am also a member of Green Committee, a member of Marine Mammal Rescue team, Scuba Club, and am on the E-Board for Ocean Awareness week! cxr850@miami.edu 

PEARSON

Melody Li (Building Leader)

My name is Xin (Melody) Li. I’m from China and majoring in Marine Science and Biology. I have recently begun transitioning to zero-waste living. This is my second year in Eco Reps. Over the past year, I feel the Eco Rep program was really like a big family. We spread a new sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle to every college student. Furthermore, we would like to make more environmentally friendly and sustainable contributions for the UM campus. xxl604@miami.edu 

Moeed Moosa

My name is Moeed Moosa and I’m a junior from Orlando, FL majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Chemistry and Microbiology. I am super passionate for a cleaner, greener environment that we all share and call home. I am motivated to make a positive impact both environmentally and socially at this campus. I intend to continue diligently spreading awareness and my growing knowledge about the environment to as many students, faculty, and people both on and off our Coral Cables campus. I’m super excited for this year to come and I look forward to commemorating the lasting positive impact this program will create. mmm428@miami.edu 

STANFORD

Mike Ackerman (Building Leader)

My name is Mike Ackerman, I’m from Marlboro NJ, and I’m majoring in Biology and Marine Science. As an Eco Rep, my goal is to help turn the school into a sustainable institution that can help educate students and others about environmental awareness. As building leader, I can start by helping to educate my residential hall on the importance of food, water, and energy conservation and recycling in the building and provide hands-on support wherever I can.  fma95@miami.edu 

Jack Delli-Santi

My name is Jack Delli-Santi and I am a freshman double majoring in Marine Science and Biology. I grew up in Santa Cruz, CA before moving to Austin, TX for middle and high school. I developed a love for the ocean in my childhood and environmentalism and outreach during my years in Austin. I currently volunteer in Dr. Langdon's coral labs at the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences and plan to continue my own research in marine pharmacognosy in the coming years. I look forward to working in and studying such a unique marine ecosystem during my coming years here!
jed186@miami.edu 

Carly Tolin

My name is Carly Tolin and I am from River Edge, NJ. I am majoring in economics as well as ecosystem science and policy on a pre-law track. I became especially passionate about the environment during my senior year of high school between the influences of my environmental science and international studies classes and the prevalence of climate change in the news, specifically regarding how urgent it is that we take action. Therefore, I hope that as an ECO rep, I can help spread awareness and show people the little ways that they can make a difference. cet87@miami.edu 

Pavan Gudoor

My name is Pavan Gudoor and I am currently a freshman from Coral Springs, Florida. I’m pursuing a major in Computer Science and am part of the Pre-Med Track. I’ve always loved nature, and furthered it while volunteering at a nature center for 3 years. My goal as an Eco-Rep is to make simple, sustainable practices known to everyone because even the small actions can make a huge difference. I’m very excited for my journey as an Eco-Rep and look forward to this school year!
prg57@miami.edu 

University Village

Alexis Cambridge (Building Leader)

My name is Alexis Cambridge and I am a sophomore from Slidell, Louisiana (outside of New Orleans). My major is Ecosystem Science and Policy on a Conservation Biology track. I have been a vegetarian for almost 10 years and I have recently began transitioning to zero-waste living! I decided to become an Eco-Rep to help make our campus as eco-friendly as possible and to help spread my own passion for environmental sustainability. I could not be more excited for the remainder of this year and to see what being an Eco-Rep will bring!
axc1753@miami.edu 

Gillian Mitchell

My name is Gillian Mitchell and I am a junior from Montoursville, PA. I am majoring in Neuroscience with minors in Chemistry and Criminology. As an ECO Rep, I hope to spread awareness about numerous conservation efforts and educate students about the small changes they can make in their daily lives to promote sustainability. The path to a more green campus begins on the individual level, and I can't wait to keep transforming the University of Miami to be as green as it can be.
gkm26@miami.edu 

McKenzie Packer

My name is McKenzie Packer and I am a senior from Dallas, Texas majoring in business management and anthropology. I wanted to become an ECO Rep because I’m passionate about finding a sustainable lifestyle and business choices that have a positive effect both environmentally and economically. I’m so excited to work with such a great team, and to help the U become a greener, more resourceful campus!
mxp1175@miami.edu 

Amanda Prats

My name is Amanda Prats and I’m a senior from Miami, FL studying advertising and journalism. I’m specifically interested in how communication can play a role in the public’s understanding of environmental issues, from its discussion in mainstream media to graphic design on recycling bins. I’ll be graduating in December after two and a half years as an RA, and hope to help integrate the ECO Rep program more closely with Housing and Residential Life. amp406@miami.edu 

Sabrina Ullman

My name is Sabrina and I’m a sophomore majoring in Broadcast Journalism and Meteorology with a Math minor. This is my third year in Eco Reps and I was a Building Leader in Mahoney-Pearson last year. I work as a desk assistant in the UV and I’m on the Southern Tropical Depressions, the Women’s Club Ultimate Frisbee team on campus. I strive to become a broadcast meteorologist after graduating, preferably in Florida.
sju9@miami.edu 

OFF CAMPUS

Madison Capote

My name is Madison Capote and I am a freshman from Miami, FL. I am currently majoring in Neuroscience, with minors in Chemistry and Mathematics, on the Pre-Med Track. Living in the populated city of Miami, I have witnessed the detrimental effects human actions can have on the environment. In high school, I was involved in environmental initiatives around campus, such as the diminishing of car idling in the parking lot. Additionally, I have developed sustainable living habits, including a change in diet and a lessening of waste, aimed towards a greener lifestyle. Throughout my years at the U, I hope to motivate others into similar environmentally-friendly behaviors and to, therefore, create a greener university.
mac587@miami.edu 

Alexander Carreiro 

My name is Alexander Carreiro I am a part-time inventor and aircraft technician passionate about aviation while at the same time working to discover ways to make the world we live in eco-friendly. I’ve won STEM awards for my nano spoon design, a spoon designed to help people with Parkinson’s disease but my true passion is the the world and philanthropy and compassion for the planet. I am earning my engineer degree here at the University Of Miami so that I can make an impact on the environment. axc2221@miami.edu 

Tiffany Demps

I’m Tiffany and I’m Miami native majoring in Interactive Media with a minor in Business Technology. I’m the Fundraising Coordinator for the Veteran Students Organization, an Event Reporter on UMTV’s television show “The Culture” a show designed to highlight the black experience at UM, and I’m also a new member of the Equestrian Team. I believe that “if we all contribute a little then we will have a big impact on the environment.” I hope to take nontraditional routes that will combine fun and emotion to encourage people to live sustainable lives. I also hope to learn how to become more green during my first year as an Eco-Rep. txd334@miami.edu 

Dante DiTommaso

I’m Dante DiTommaso and I’m from Franklin Lakes NJ. I’m trying to major in Environmental Engineering but I’m undecided right now. I’ve never really been aware of the effects we, as a human race, have on the environment, but while studying abroad, I came across a beautiful lagoon that was completely filled with plastic on the beach... this, in collaboration with the documentary “A Plastic Ocean,” opened my eyes to the fact that we need green initiatives to start before going any further. My goal by the end of my 4 years here is to make this campus as clean and green as possible. dpd79@miami.edu 

Keerthana Mohan

I’m Keerthana and I’m a junior from Atlanta, Georgia. I’m majoring in Public Health and Microbiology and Immunology with minors in Chemistry, Finance, and Health Sector Management and Policy. I’m on the premed track and like to spend my time working for the Schiff Liver Center as a student research assistant. I also hold leadership roles in several organizations on campus such as COSO, Undergraduate Healthcare Club, Tunnel of Oppression, Whitely Women's Leadership Symposium, and Gandhi Day among others. This is my first year as an ECO Rep and I’d like to focus on resource allocation and its waste in student hubs on campus such as Richter Library, the Shalala Center, and the University Center. I hope that my experience as an ECO Rep can be used to instill environmentally-friendly changes in communities and individuals beyond my college experience. kxm788@miami.edu 

Lara Pineda

My name is Lara Pineda, I am originally from Venezuela and moved to the US around 5 years ago. Since a very young age I've been intrigued by the sciences, and passionate about sustainability. It only made sense for me to study something related to it, and decided to choose Environmental Engineering at the fine school that is the University of Miami! I am currently trying to gather as much information as I can regarding the environment so I can educate those that are craving positive/green changes as much I do. Being Venezuelan I know what it’s like to have a country rich in resources and diversity go down in spiral. I believe that our preservation depends on education. The more people know about what is actually happening with our levels of consumption, the more we will grow as a green community and make a positive impact! I could not be more excited to be part of team that spreads awareness like the ECO Rep Program.  lsp43@miami.edu 

EATON
Alexis Cambridge 
My name is Alexis Cambridge and I am a sophmore from Slidell, Louisiana (outside of New Orleans). My major is Ecosystem Science and Policy on a Conservation Biology track. I have been a vegetarian for almost 9 years and I have recently began transitioning to zero-waste living! I decided to become an Eco-Rep to help make our campus as eco-friendly as possible and to help spread my own passion for environmental sustainability. I could not be more excited for the remainder of this year and to see what being an Eco-Rep will bring!
axc1753@miami.edu 

Moeed Moussa

WALSH TOWER
Benjamin (Ben) Coleman
I’m from North Kingstown, RI. I am majoring in Neuroscience and Spanish, with minors in Chemistry and English. As an ECO rep, I hope to spread awareness of the various environmental issues plaguing our campus and the world today. I have noticed that many do care for the environment, but often feel their contribution doesn’t do enough to help. I also hope to instill that change begins with the individual and that everybody’s contribution, no matter how small, DOES make a difference!
bwc26@miami.edu

MC DONALD TOWER

Benjamin Estrada: Benjamin is a freshman majoring in Comm. Honors - Journalism. He is a contributing writer for The Miami Hurricane newspaper and is involved with U-Informed and the American Sign Language Club. Eventually, Benjamin would like to work as a columnist or reporter for a news publication. He has a passion for sustainable living and hopes to educate his peers on how to live a greener life

PENTLAND TOWER

My name is Mia Clarke and I am from Wilmington, NC. I am majoring in neuroscience while hoping to pursue minors in math and international studies. Moving from one part of the east coast to another, I have developed a keen passion for the environment. It is scientifically proven that spending time in nature boosts your mental and physical well being! I am an advocate for reducing consumerism, animal product consumption, automobile transportation, and overpopulation. If everyone does their part, we can have a much more sustainable environment. I am hoping to spread this message as an ECO Rep here at the U.

ROSBOROUGH TOWER 

I’m Dante DiTommaso. I’m from Franklin Lakes NJ. I’m trying to major  environmental engineering but I’m undecided right now. I’ve never really been aware of the effects we, as a human race, have on the environment, but while studying abroad, i came across a beautiful lagoon that was completely filled with plastic on the beach... this, in collaboration with the documentary “A Plastic Ocean,” alone made me open my eyes to the fact that we need green initiatives to start by helping our own community before going any further. My goal by the end of my 4 years here is to make this campus as clean and green as possible. 

ECO Reps 2018-19

Sofia Mesa: Sofia is a freshman double majoring in English and Ecosystem Science and Policy. Born and raised in Miami, Florida Sofia developed her compassion for animals and the environment in sunny south Florida! She is a Hammond Scholar and is involved in Plant-Based Canes, English Honor Society, the Miami Hurricane, and an intern at Debris Free Oceans, a local nonprofit dedicated to education on and management of plastics in our oceans. Sofia hopes to eventually attend law school and open her own environmental law practice or conduct research on ocean conservation. She is a proud advocate of both a vegan and zero waste lifestyle and hopes to push these values forward in her life every day. svm38@miami.edu 

Brandon Runner: I am a freshman pursuing environmental engineering and sustainable design. I am an ambitious environmental activist that loves to contribute towards the well being of our earth. I am specifically intrigued by green alternatives for producing energy and have previously organized various marine conservation projects. I am enthralled to be involved UM's sustainable ecosystem and am looking forward to an exciting year.

My name is Katie Lesh and I am from Syracuse, NY. I am majoring in Architecture with hopes of also majoring in either History or Latin American Studies as well as minoring in ecosystem science and policy.  With my degree, I hope to own an architecture firm that focuses on designing low income, sustainable urban living. Growing up, I have always enjoyed being outdoors, especially because my house backs up to forests and hills and I live in close proximity to lakes and mountains. Seeing the beauty of nature every day while I was growing up has made me want to preserve and care for it so that we can enjoy all it has to offer. I wanted to become an ECO Rep in order to be able to spread awareness about sustainability all across campus as well as be able to learn about caring for the environment in new ways. As a university, we can all reach out to others across the globe and make the Earth a better place for all, one step at a time!

Moeed Moosa: I’m a sophomore from Orlando, Florida. I am majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Chemistry and Microbiology. I wanted to become an ECO rep at the University of Miami because I am very passionate about conserving Earth’s resources and I am motivated to make a positive impact both environmentally and socially at this campus. As we all progress into the future, I think that our roles as individuals and the environmental related decisions we make will either make or break this planet we call home. I want to continue to raise awareness about actions all of us can take to reduce waste and to live greener everyday. I’m very excited for this school year, and I look forward to see the positive impact this program will have!

My name is Olivia Zukowski and I am currently a freshman at the U! I am pursuing a major in ecosystem science and policy and I hope to also major in political science and minor in French. Originally from Wantagh, New York, I have always had a passion for sustainability. I strongly believe that although we may have the same goals of reaching global sustainability, it is essential to listen to others in order to determine the best routes to reach our objectives. I hope that as an EcoRep at the University of Miami I will have the opportunity to talk to a diverse range of individuals in order to spread awareness and education regarding green living! 

My name is Megan Valcq, and I am from Grand Rapids, Michigan. I am a freshman majoring in Marine Affairs and Environmental Engineering. I recently discovered my passion for sustainability after taking an Environmental Science class in high school. I decided to become an Eco Rep because I want to help promote water conservation and recycling here in the dorms. I hope that, as an Eco Rep, I can encourage others to help make the U a greener, more sustainable campus! 

Hello! My name is Grace Harden and I’m a freshman majoring in biomedical engineering. In addition to BME I hope to get a minor in marine science and arabic. I was born in Florida but I’ve lived in Rhode Island for most of my life. I was interested in joining eco reps because I am very involved with the ocean, I sail and scuba dive, and I want to do as much as possible to protect it. I’m sure everyone has seen the videos of animals, like turtles being strangled because of plastic and I just want to help animals and help the planet in general. Thanks!

Natalia is a freshman pursuing a double major in Ecosystem Science & Policy and Biochemistry. She embraces sustainable, heath-conscious habits and aspires to exemplify the importance of global awareness, regard for our environment, and personal wellness. On campus, she serves on the Health Advisory Committee as a Health Outreach Peer Educator and is an active member of Girl Up. In the future, Natalia hopes that her fresh perspective will catalyze progress in the fields of environmental health and sustainable product development. As a strong advocate for conscious consumption, conservation and welfare, and waste reduction; she hopes to contribute to inspiring the student body to join in embrace sustainability!